The difference between the New York Sightseeing Day Pass & the New York Pass

What is the difference between the New York Sightseeing Day Pass and the New York Pass? The New York Sightseeing Day Pass and the New York Pass are discount passes for New York with which you can get the most out of your stay. You can visit unlimited attractions with both passes. There are differences between the passes with regards to the attractions and tours that are included. Do you prefer to sightsee at your own pace? Then go for the New York Sightseeing Flex Pass.

Tours and attractions

Both the New York Sightseeing Day Pass and the New York Pass are valid for over 100 tours and attractions. With both you can visit, along with many more, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Top of the Rock and Liberty Island. With the Day Pass, it’s possible to take a Hop-on Hop-off Ferry Tour. The New York Pass includes all Circle Line Cruises, as well as the Best of NYC and Sunset Cruise.

The main difference is that with the Day Pass you can visit Edge Observation Deck and Vessel. Both are not included with the New York Pass. With the Day Pass, you can also choose to take a shared shuttle bus transfer from Manhattan to the airport. In addition, you can have a free or heavily discounted lunch at a number of restaurants. With this pass, however, the bike options are limited, while the New York Pass offers multiple bike tours and rental options.

Hop-on Hop-off bus

A ticket for a Hop-on Hop-off bus tour is included with both passes. The Day Pass gives you a better ticket though because you can use the Gray Line buses throughout the duration of your pass. With the New York Pass, you get a Big Bus ticket for one day. Both passes offer both the Uptown and Downtown routes. The Brooklyn and Evening Tours are also possible with the Day Pass, both for one day. In addition, you will receive a credit code to the value of $40. You can redeem it for, amongst other things, a VIP upgrade of your bus ticket. With this upgrade, you are entitled to priority boarding at various stops.

Observation deck

The Empire State Building is not included in the Day Pass. With the Day Pass however, you can visit One World Observatory: a tower that is not included with any other pass.

How do the passes work?

The New York Sightseeing Day Pass and the New York Pass work in the same way. The Day Pass is available for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 10 days. The New York Pass can be purchased for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 or 10 days. The passes are valid on consecutive days and are activated at the moment you use them for the first time. You can visit as many attractions and tours as you wish, with a max of one visit per attraction, per pass. You can show the passes on your mobile. The New York Pass also offers a physical pass, which you can pick up in New York or can be sent to your home address with the worldwide delivery options.

Which pass should I choose?

In almost all cases, the New York Sightseeing Day Pass is the best option. With this pass you receive an extensive Hop-on Hop-off ticket, you can visit One World Observatory and even have a free or largely discounted lunch. If you want to visit the Empire State Building, the New York Pass is better for you. With my personal promo-codes, both passes are even cheaper! Below you can see the main differences:

Click here to buy the New York Sightseeing Day Pass